The Graduate School
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 581-2220
Fax: (217) 581-6020
Email: graduate@eiu.edu
Can you mail me a Graduate Catalog?
We no longer mail out our catalogs. The catalog is available on-line at: http://catalog.eiu.edu/index.php?catoid=11 or if you are on campus, feel free to stop by our office for a printed version.
What master's programs are offered at Eastern?
A list of all graduate programs can be found HERE. From that page there will be a link available to individual program web pages.
How do I apply for Graduate School?
You apply to the Graduate School by going to www.eiu.edu/~graduate/ then clicking on "Admissions", you will have the option to apply on-line or download a paper application. After processing your application, the Graduate School will forward your information to your program of interest for an admission decision from the program. Your program may require additional forms and submissions, please contact the program coordinator for those requirements.
What is the minimum GPA I can have and still be admitted to Graduate School?
The Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. The GPA can be derived from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work if necessary. If your GPA is still below 2.75 you may be admitted as a “provisional” student and you will have an opportunity to earn a 3.0 GPA on 12 hours of graduate course work and have the provisional status removed. Please note that programs reserve the right to require a higher GPA for admission, contact the program coordinator for information.
If I am classified as a provisional graduate student, do I still qualify for federal loans?
The term provisional means that your GPA is below the required 2.75. If you are a provisional student you are not eligible for federal loans, however you can apply for private loans. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid (217) 581-3711 for additional information.
I was provisional, but have taken 12 hours and have a 3.0 GPA, what do I do to become fully admitted?
After each semester provisional students are checked and their status will be changed if they have met the requirements. Remember, the courses that the provisional student enrolls in have to be graduate courses and any departmental requirements must be met as well.
Can I get an application fee waived?
The application fee can only be waived for University employees or McNair Scholars. There are no fee waivers awarded for any other circumstances.
Does my program require test scores?
The following programs require submission of these test scores:
GRE General: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Clinical Psychology, Communication Disorders and Sciences, Counseling, English, Mathematics, School Psychology, Special Education (or MAT).
GMAT: Business Administration
Assistantships
How do I apply for a Graduate Assistantship?
The application for assistantships is available at https://www.eiu.edu/~graduate/GAapplication/GAappl.php. You will need to submit your application to the program or department that will be hiring you. The employing program or department will forward your information to the Graduate School for processing and the Graduate School will mail your contract to you for signature.
Does an assistantship cover the cost of my fees?
No. You are entitled to a tuition waiver scholarship when you are hired as a graduate assistant, this waiver covers your tuition only, you will need to pay for your fees when you receive your bill.
What other departments will hire a Graduate Assistant if my program does not have any openings?
The following units/departments hire assistants from a variety of disciplines: Panther Dining Services, Athletics Department, International Programs, Study Abroad, College of Education And Professional Studies, Continuing Education, The Graduate School, Housing, Student Recreation Center, Office of Orientation, CATS, Career Services, Minority Affairs, Secondary Education, Center for Academic Support, Educational Administration, Elementary Education, Health Services, and the University Union.
Can I get a Graduate Assistantship if I am in a certificate program or working on a second bachelor's degree?
No, you must be enrolled in a degree seeking program.
I worked as a Graduate Assistant this past year and would like to use my Summer Tuition Waiver, how do I do that?
As a graduate assistant you are entitled to one summer tuition waiver per academic year, regardless if you are working in the summer or not. You will need to let the Graduate School know when you intend to use this waiver by filling out a summer tuition waiver form. (http://www.eiu.edu/~graduate/forms/assistantships_summerwaiver.html) Complete the form and return it to the Graduate School by April 1st.
I got my summer bill and my Tuition Waiver is not on it?
Did you fill out a Summer Tuition waiver? If so, go ahead and pay your fees like you normally would, often times there is a delay in the waiver being posted to your account. If not, fill out a tuition waiver form. It in the box to the right. Return that form to the Graduate School.
I am a Graduate Assistant and would like to take more than the maximum hours allowed by my Tuition Waiver Scholarship, what do I need to do?
You will need tio complete and submit a form called "Waiver and Appeals Restoration of Candidacy Process", it is available here: http://www.eiu.edu/~graduate/forms/waiverandappeal.html. Have your Graduate Coordinator sign it and return it to the Graduate School for the Dean's review. You will be notified by e-mail from the Graduate School of the decision. If approved, copies will be sent to Financial Aid, in order for them to process your tuition waiver for the additional hours.
Graduation
How do I apply and reapply for graduation and find the application deadline dates?
You can apply and reapply for graduation using the PAWS system. The deadline dates differ each semester so be sure to check the dates on the PAWS system or the academic calendar.
How do I get transfer courses approved?
Check with your department first to see if they will approve the transfer course(s). Then make sure the transfer courses meet the transfer course requirements listed in the graduate catalog. And if you still have questions contact the certification officer in the Graduate School Office. If transfer course(s) meet requirements, the Graduate School will need an official transcript showing the transfer course(s).
What is the latest that I can submit requirements in order to graduate?
We like to have all requirements by the close of the semester.; However there is usually a 2-3 week period after the semester closes that a student can still be certified to graduate. This time frame is different each semester so if you don't complete the requirements by the last day of the semester you will need to contact the certification officer in the Graduate School.
Can I participate in the commencement ceremony even though I am not completing requirements this semester? Requests for participation in a commencement ceremony by exceptionality, may be granted according to the following guidelines:
• Students who have applied to graduate summer term and are able to complete all graduate degree requirements by the end of the summer term may be granted permission to participate in the preceding spring commencement ceremony;
• Students with only thesis, internship, or practicum to be completed may be granted permission to participate in the commencement ceremony preceding their final term.
Those who qualify for participation in a commencement ceremony by exceptionality must complete a request form available from Susan Hankenson, 1211 Blair Hall, prior to the following deadlines:
